The Philippines captured its third gold medal in the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China on Friday after reigning Asian Games champion Annie Ramirez defeated compatriot Emily Rosalynn Thomas in an anticipated all-Philippine matchup in the women’s -57 kilogram division.
On Friday’s gold medal game, Ramirez beat Thomas by means of an advantage.
It was her third gold in the Asian Beach Games, having won in 2014 and 2016 also
The final was also witnessed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“Emily wanted the gold for herself and the country, and she fought like a champion. While Annie remains the queen of this mat, we believe Thomas’ time is coming. That resilience and hunger—that’s the true spirit of being a Filipino athlete,” Toletino said.
Ramirez is also set to defend her gold medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan later this year.
